School Psychology, PhD

Program code: SPSYHH-PHD

The School Psychology PhD Program is ideal for psychology and/or education students looking to expand their horizons. Students can enter with a bachelor’s degree, and earn their PhD with as few as five years. Students can also enter with a masters degree and receive credit for applicable graduate-level coursework based on a review by the program director. Admission into the program at all levels requires evidence of previous scholarship and/or potential for academic success, personal and professional qualities deemed necessary to function as a school psychologist, and motivation for professional excellence and leadership in the field.

Admission Criteria

The School Psychology PhD Program accepts applications year-round, allowing study full-time on your way to earning an MEd in Educational Psychology and a PhD in School Psychology in as little as five years. An MEd in Educational Psychology is earned after successfully completing 36 credits of the required courses (see course sequence). In most cases, students reach that degree after Year 2, Summer II.

Submitting completed applications before January 15 is encouraged to ensure a spot in the program for the following fall semester. Individuals seeking admission to the program must complete the Graduate Admissions application. The following application materials are also required: two letters of recommendation, transcripts, goal statement, and application fees. After these materials have been received, applications will be reviewed and qualified applicants will be selected for interviews with the School Psychology Admissions Committee. Admission to the PhD Program is based on evaluation of the application materials, and work history, professional goals, and personal characteristics as determined during the interview.

All advanced programs leading to a certificate issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education require that candidates present Pennsylvania Criminal Record (Act 34) and Child Abuse Clearances (Act 151) as well as Act 114 (FBI Fingerprinting Record) prior to any placement in a school setting or intermediate unit. Candidates for these programs should be aware that some districts or intermediate units may not accept student placements if any criminal record is reflected on these background checks. Candidates with a criminal record, even summary offenses are asked to disclose this history to their program upon entry to the program to facilitate placement. Some serious offenses, typically involving child welfare, preclude state certification.

Additional information concerning the application process can be found online by visiting Graduate Admissions (www.iup.edu/admissions/graduate/). Information concerning Admission Classification and Provisional Admission for International Graduate Application can be found in the Graduate Catalog (see www.iup.edu/graduatestudies/catalog/).